What pain-relief options are available during childbirth?
It is important for you to learn what pain relief options are available during childbirth. Please discuss your options with your health care provider well before your “birth day.” Getting pain relief should not cause you to feel guilty! You are the only one who knows how you feel, so decisions regarding control of your labor pain must be made specifically by you. Remember, however, that your pain relief choices may be governed by certain circumstances of your labor and delivery. Throughout your labor, your health care provider will assess your progress and comfort to help you choose a pain relief technique. Your health care provider may ask an anesthesiologist (a physician who specializes in pain relief) to talk with you about pain relief during labor. The anesthesiologist will be happy to answer your questions. • Analgesic medications can be injected into a vein or a muscle to dull labor discomfort. Analgesic medications do not completely stop pain, but they do lessen it. Because anal
